How To Fit Movement Into Your Day
“It is so important to take time for yourself and find clarity. The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.”
—Diane Von Furstenberg
Do you find it challenging to fit movement into your day? We are often too familiar with our own schedules to have any clarity and objectivity. Thinking about your daily routine in a new way can help you find pockets of time to incorporate more self-care activities, like joyful movement.
The goal is to set yourself up for success and pick a time of day for movement that meshes well with your daily energy and schedule. Here are some ways to discern what time of day works best for you:
Morning movement is a great option for you if:
Works tends to be unpredictable towards the end of the day. Getting movement in early means that at least you won’t have to sacrifice your workout if something comes up last minute at work.
Your kids need your attention after school. Especially in the age of Covid, many parents have to fill the role of teacher, so getting your workout in before they wake up, or while they are in class can free up your time and energy to keep them entertained in the afternoon.
You want to leave time for other things at the end of the day. This is a great example of beginning to “know” yourself.
Mid-day movement is a great option for you if:
You want a mental break in the middle of the day. Sometimes the only cure for that mid-day brain fog, energy slump, is to step away from whatever you are doing, and get your blood pumping and oxygen flowing. That way you can go back to what you had been doing with renewed energy and perspective, knowing that you got some self-care in.
You want to keep your mornings and evenings free for other things. You may like to sleep in, or get up early and enjoy your coffee and read the paper. At night, you might like to relax, or pursue other hobbies. The mid-day workout is a perfect happy-medium option.
Your energy levels peak in the middle of the day. If it takes a while for you to wake-up, or as soon as 5pm hits, you’re in total off-duty mode, it could be helpful to capitalize on mid-day energy and motivation, and sneak in a workout.
Evening movement is a great option for you if:
You need something to help you signal the end of your work day. If you’re the type of person who will just keep working well into the evening, putting movement on your calendar can help you step away from your desk at a reasonable hour and not return until the next day.
You like to sleep in. This one is very self-explanatory. Similar to the mid-day options, if your mornings feel sacred, shift your movement to other parts of the day.
Your body feels most warm and ready for movement at the end of the day. For some people, their joints and muscles just feel better and more primed for movement towards the end of the day.
Next time you plan to get in movement do it at the time of day that resonates with you the most. If none of these options feel obvious, experiment. Pick a slow day at work or weekend to try getting in movement at a new time of day.
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If you still find it hard to motivate yourself to fit movement into your day, consider working with a personal trainer, who will provide structure and guidance.
